Heian:

 

In the 700’s, the Japanese Imperial Court moved its capital from Nara to Heian, modern day Kyoto. Many of the Japanese noble families moved with the Imperial Court. Heian became a wealthy upper class region as the families moved. This was the beginning of the Heian era and it lasted from 794-1185. The court dictated every part of your life, such as what robes you where and what swords you have. The Heian government was quite strong but their were members of the clan that wanted to own their land and govern it independently. This was the beginning of a feudalist government. The Fujiwara controlled the empire for the most of the time, however their power began to lessen. Large landowners had private armies and militaristic weaponry. Pirates took over the sea and trade. Farmers that were small landowners gave part of their land to the warlords in exchange for protection. Since there were wars between rival families they had many samurais as protection. A samurai were body guards and they lived by a code called Bushido meaning (the way of the warrior.) During the 1100’s the two most powerful families arose and they fought for power.(Perry)